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Hidden deep under the northeast forests of Kentucky, strange formations with names like Giant Turkey, Headache Rock, and The Cathedral mingle with cave corals, underground waterfalls and thousands of endangered bats. This is what awaits visitors to Carter Caves State Resort Park, approximately 90 miles east of Lexington. The park was only established, and the cave environments protected, in 1946. Prior to this, the land—and caves—have a long and storied history. It begins millions of years ago, when North America was in its development stage, with the land rising and falling, cracking and washing away. This began forming the caves as seen today. Fast-forward to the 1800s, and the caves served as a resource during the War of 1812. Today however, this 2000-acre park—both above and below ground—serves as a recreation destination for campers and adventurers.
The resort at Carter Caves offers a variety of overnight options, including camping, cottages and a lodge. Campers will find a large campground with 89 RV sites with utilities, 30 primitive tent sites, eight equestrian sites, and two bunkhouses. Most RV sites are back-in, and can accommodate vehicles/trailers up to 60 feet; bunkhouses can accommodate up to six people. The campground features bathhouses with showers, water faucets, picnic shelters, horse stables, and a playground. The park’s cottages are fully equipped with linens, cookware, and most have wood-burning fireplaces; these can accommodate up to eight people. The Lewis Caveland Lodge offers 28 rooms with full amenities, balconies and patios. Dogs are permitted in designated areas, and must remain leashed. Campsite rates are $18–$55/night; cottages and lodge rooms are $75–$240/night.
The main attraction at Carter Caves State Resort Park is … the caves! There are six named caves in the park for exploring. Some are open year-round, some are only open during the summer. The park offers guided walking tours in four of the caves. Tours range from 45 minutes to 2.5 hours, and require some stair-climbing and stooping. There are also two caves open for self-exploration. These are undeveloped, and require visitors to provide their own light source. For the adventurous, there are also two cave crawling expeditions. These tours are three hours long, and explore tight, undeveloped passages that require lots of crawling, stooping and duck-walking in muddy conditions. For visitors who would rather stay and play above ground, the park features 26 miles of hiking trails, guided horseback rides, putt-putt golf, rock climbing, and fishing and paddling on Smoky Valley Lake.
RV park was designed for smaller trailers. If you're over 35' be prepared to go off-road a bit to avoid having your trailer fall off the driveways. All of this would be easily fixable if the park was interested in improving the property. The fact that it isn't done already is telling. But it was still OK, we managed.
Such a great place. The lodge was nice, food was good, staff was excellent and the hotel rooms were nice and clean. There is a restaurant inside the lodge as well. The guides were exceptional, especially since we were with a bunch of kids. Grades 4th-8th. Tons of activities to do and the staff was very knowledgeable. Will return for sure. Nice local getaway or great for out of state guests as well. Make sure you visit at least once in your life! Family fun and fun without kids too I'm sure.
It was a really beautiful state park campground. The cave tours are fun and easily accessible, or a bit more adventurous if you're up to the challenge! There are also caves you can go through on your own with a permit (which was free). Just bring closed toed shoes and a flashlight, and prepare to get your feet wet.
The actual campground was well maintained and had activities the nights we stayed like glow golf and an ice cream social. The hiking trails were scenic and well marked. A great stop for a family getaway.
Wow, what a place. Rooms are comfortable and clean. The restaurant is on property, and the food is priced well and really good. The service is nice too. Have a private balcony and seating out on the balcony. We enjoyed sitting by the fire in the lounge area, where you can play games or just chill. Beautiful views of woods. And the trails! Wow. Well maintained and so beautiful.
The area is unique and very special. I'm so glad we came here. 🙌
It is the best place to be all seasons.
Oh! The best part. They are dog friendly. Jake loved it here!!!!
